36. What are the signs of a tongue tie?

A tongue tie (ankyloglossia) happens when the tissue under the tongue (the lingual frenulum) is short, tight, or restrictive, which can limit tongue movement. Signs can vary depending on your child’s age, but common ones include:

-Difficulty breastfeeding – poor latch, prolonged feeding, or nipple pain for mom
-Slow weight gain in infants due to ineffective feeding
-Limited tongue movement – trouble sticking out the tongue or lifting it to the roof of the mouth
-Speech difficulties – some children may have trouble with sounds like “t,” “d,” “l,” or “r”
-Eating challenges – difficulty licking, swallowing, or moving food around the mouth
-Dental issues – gaps between teeth or buildup of plaque under the tongue

Not every tongue tie causes problems, but if your child shows any of these signs, it’s a good idea to have them evaluated. Early assessment can make feeding, speech, and oral development easier.